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Monday, September 20, 2010

Finger-weaving uses a couple of common macrame stitches. For this piece, I used half-hitches and square knots. Since a half-hitch is one half of a square knot, this is really an easy technique to master! I've covered some tips in the past for finger-weaving, which you might want to look at to brush up.

1. Choose a selection of beads and divide them into two similar piles, one for each finger-woven strand.

2. Cut 3 to 4 pieces of cord (I use C-Lon) approximately 50 inches long. Cut another cord approximately 150 inches long. Fold all the cords in half and form a lark's head knot over one of the toggles or loops. Make a few full square knots with the long cords around all the shorter cords to anchor the knot, and then begin weaving in some of your smaller beads. Use only the shorter cords to add beads. Switch to half hitches when you begin weaving in beads so that the necklace will twist.

3. Begin adding larger beads. I made 2 half hitches between each smaller bead, and 3 between each larger bead. You can experiment with this to see how full you want your necklace.

4. Weave a second strand similar to the first. At the bottom, bring all the cords together and tie a few full square knots around the shorter cords with the 4 longer ones. Put a dab of glue on the knots to keep them tight. I use Hypo-Tube cement for this: it's clear and dries quickly.

5. Add beads to each of the cords and knot to keep them in place. Put a dab of glue on each knot.

6. I used a toggle at the top of each strand of beads. I used a chain bracelet with a lobster claw clasp for the closure.

Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.

Thank you Eileen! I find it works best for me if I sort my larger beads into two piles before I start. I don't want the sides to be identical, with exactly the same bead in the same spot, but I do want them to be balanced. So yes to sorting, but not really to arranging :-)

This is great - you created an elegant piece out of a very simple technique - this is a great use of macrame style work that is really eyecatching! I have a bunch of c-lon cording at home and really want to try this sometime.

I used to make and sell my simple macrame bracelets and chokers in the 70's as a college student, but my work was nothing like this beautiful necklace. I love that I can still take what I've been doing for years and making something new and modern. Thank you!

Well, we just didn't have these wonderful cords available to us back then. I used to make some knotted pieces from thin leather cords, but they were still too thick to do this type of work. Thanks so much for your nice note!

Come on a journey through a bead and jewelry wonderland, where no item is considered too strange to use in making something ... especially if that item has a hole in it! All types of beads are welcomed and cherished here, and no techniques are off-limits. You'll be amazed and inspired by the handmade beaded jewelry and the bead embroidery that is being made today!